Bhubaneswar: Hockey Association of Odisha on Tuesday announced the 18-member junior women’s squad for the Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2024.
The 11-day championship will be played in Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium, Ranchi, from September 30 to October 10.
Odisha will face strong contenders Bengal and Bihar in the group stage. They will begin their campaign against Bihar on October 2.
The team will be led by Sumi Mundari who will be supported by her mid-fielder Tanuja Toppo as the vice-captain. The goalkeeping duty will feature Engil H Minz and Namsi Jharika, while Puja Ramchhuria, Sonali Ekka, Rose Mary Xalxo, Priya Toppo and Amisha Ekka will be in defence.
Priyanka Kujur, Nisha Dadel, Premshila Bage and Anandita Toppo will form the midfield, while the energetic forward line to lead the attack will feature Rambha khujur, Jyoti Xaxa, Surekha Bahala, Karuna Minz and Binati Minz.
“Our girls have undergone intense training over past couple of months while blending into each other’s game style. The preparatory matches have been crucial in refining the skills and assessing their readiness. The girls feel confident about their performance in the tournament and I am optimistic about our prospects in the championship,” said chief coach Lilima Minz.
CEO of Hockey Promotional Council Odisha, Deepankar Mohopata, president of Hockey Association of Odisha Dilip Tirkey and other DSYS and HAO dignitaries, interacted with team and wished them best of luck for the tournament.
Odisha’s Junior Women’s Hockey Team
Goalkeepers:
Engil H Minz
Namsi Jharika
Defender
Puja Ramchhuria
Sonali Ekka
Rose Mary Xalxo
Priya Toppo
Amisha Ekka
Midfielder
Sumi Mundari
Priyanka Kujur
Tanuja Toppo
Nisha Dadel
Premshila Bage
Anandita Toppo
Striker
Rambha khujur
Jyoti Xaxa
Surekha Bahala
Karuna Minz
Binati Minz
